The squads for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20 2026 have been finalised, with all five franchises completing their player selections ahead of the upcoming season. The tournament is set to feature an exciting mix of Afghanistan’s leading cricketing talents and several internationally renowned T20 stars, promising an action-packed competition.
With experienced international players, explosive batters, quality all-rounders and established fast bowlers in their ranks, the five teams have assembled competitive squads for the 2026 edition.
Kandahar Warriors assemble a star-studded squad
Kandahar Warriors have put together one of the most experienced squads, with Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan among the headline names. The team also features Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Amir, Joe Clarke, Karim Janat, Tymal Mills and Kusal Perera.
Other notable players include Hassan Eisakhil, Farid Ahmad Malik, Mohammad Shahzad, Muslim Musa, Dwaine Pretorius, George Munsey, Allah Noor Naseri, Noman Shah, Usman Khan, Naseer Maroof Khil, Shawkat Zaman and Ibrahim Masood.
The combination of Rashid’s leg-spin, Nabi’s experience and the presence of several international T20 specialists gives Kandahar plenty of options.
Team Nangarhar bring international experience
Team Nangarhar have also secured some big names for the competition. Rahmat Shah Zurmatai will be among the key players, while England’s Alex Hales and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan add significant international experience.
The squad further includes Darwish Rasooli, Kamindu Mendis, Ziawrahman Sharifi, M. Akram Zazai, Ikram Alikhil, Junaid Siddique, Zahir Khan Pakten, Ismatullah Alam, M. Yamin Ahmadzai, Amir Jangoo, Shafiqullah Ghafari, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Bahar Ali Shinwari, Islam Khan Zazai, Aftab Alam and Zubairullah Akbari.
Akcel United Kabul add explosive match-winners
Akcel United Kabul have assembled a powerful squad featuring Azmatullah Omarzai, who will be one of the major attractions of the tournament.
The team also boasts the services of Johnson Charles, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Dushmantha Chameera, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, D’Arcy Short and Imran Tahir. Their squad also includes Imran Mir, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shamim Hossain, Hazratullah Zazai, A. Rahman Rahmani, Dawood Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Uzairullah Niazi, Khalid Ahmadzai, Keramatullah, Baheer Shah Mehboob and Curtis Campher.
The presence of experienced overseas players across departments makes Kabul an interesting team to watch.
Team Balkh feature Moeen Ali and Ibrahim Zadran
Team Balkh have built a balanced squad around Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran. England’s Moeen Ali, New Zealand’s Luke Wood and Gulbadin Naib add valuable experience and versatility.
Their squad also includes Mohammad Ghazanfar, Sediqullah Atal, Muhammad Waseem, Afsar Khan Zazai, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Thomas Moores, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Abdullah Tarakhail, Colin Ackermann, M. Waqar Salamkheil, Salaam Khan Ahmadzai, Azizullah Miakhil, Abdul Aziz Khan, Qais Ahmad and Christopher Wood.
Team Paktia complete a competitive line-up
Team Paktia have also brought together an exciting combination of international stars and Afghan players. Rahmanullah Gurbaz headlines their batting group, while Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga provides an important all-round option.
The squad also features Noor Ahmad, Nahid Rana, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Farmanullah Safi, David Wiese, Colin Munro, Hashmatullah Shahidi, H. Lakanwal, Nange Yalia Khan, Gerhard Erasmus, Olly Stone, Masood Gurbaz, Abid Mohammadi, Khalid Taniwal, Wahidullah Zadran, Sediqullah Pacha and Khalil Gurbaz.
APL T20 2026 promises an exciting contest
With all five squads now locked in, attention will turn towards the tournament and the battle for supremacy. The presence of established T20 names such as Rashid Khan, Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, Alex Hales, Kusal Perera, Imran Tahir, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Wanindu Hasaranga is expected to add considerable quality to the competition.
The APL T20 2026 will provide Afghanistan’s emerging cricketers with an opportunity to share the dressing room with international stars while competing on a major platform. With five franchises boasting considerable firepower, fans can look forward to an entertaining season of T20 cricket.
